Program Overview
The University of Exeter's BSc Environmental Science program equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to address global environmental challenges. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork and practical applications, and provides access to cutting-edge research through its close relationship with the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI). Graduates are highly employable and have a strong track record of securing jobs in various organizations within the environmental sector.
Program Outline
BSc Environmental Science - University of Exeter
Degree Overview:
This BSc Environmental Science program at the University of Exeter aims to equip students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary to address global environmental challenges. The program focuses on understanding the Earth's complex systems and processes, developing solutions to environmental problems, and fostering a deep understanding of sustainability and environmental decision-making.
Objectives:
- Learn the science behind Earth's complexity and environmental processes.
- Develop hands-on skills in collecting and analyzing environmental data in the field and laboratory.
- Gain practical skills for employability, including working with satellite data, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and real-world environmental decision-making.
- Participate in field courses in the UK and abroad.
- Learn from world-leading research experts in various environmental disciplines.
- Benefit from exposure to research through the program's close relationship with the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).
- Option to graduate with proficiency in Law.
Outline:
The BSc Environmental Science program is a three-year program, with the option to extend it to four years with a professional placement or study abroad. The program is structured into three years, with a focus on building a strong scientific foundation in the first year, exploring specialized areas in the second year, and culminating in a final year of independent research and advanced training.
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Earth System Science
- Global Issues in Environmental Science
- Environmental Science Tutorials
- Marine and Environmental Science Field Course
- Introduction to data science
- A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection
- Optional Modules:
- Genetics
- Ecology and Conservation
- Approaches to Geographical Knowledge
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Systems, Their Interactions and Importance
- Introduction to Human Sciences
- The Geography of Cornwall
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Geographical Information Science and Systems
- Remote Sensing for Environmental Management
- Environment and Sustainability on the Isles of Scilly (Field Course)
- Second Year Tutorials
- Research Design and Methods
- Environmental Regulation and Redress
- Optional Modules:
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Population and Community Ecology
- Introduction to Ecological Consultancy
- Exploitation of the Sea
- Applied Insect Ecology
- Evolution of Human Societies
- The Politics of Climate Change and Energy
- Landscape Evolution
- Rural Social Issues
- Biogeography
- Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans
- Waste and Society
- Physical Ocean Processes
- People and Nature
- Social and Cultural Geographies
- Green Politics in Theory and Practice
- Health, Place and Wellbeing
- Oceans and Human Health
- Green Consultants
- Workplace Learning
Placement/Study Abroad Year (if taken):
- With Study Abroad:
- One Year Study Abroad (Modules agreed with the College Study Abroad Coordinator)
- With Professional Placement:
Final Year:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Dissertation in Environmental Science
- Preparing to Graduate
- Optional Modules:
- Trends in Ecology and Evolution
- Human Behavioural Ecology
- Science in Society
- Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease
- Climate Change and Society
- The Complexity of Human Societies
- Quaternary Environmental Change
- Literature Review in Environment and Society
- Antarctica: Science from a Frozen Continent
- Geographies of Democracy
- Marine Climate and Environmental Change
- Marine and Coastal Sustainability
- Whole Energy Systems
- Arctic Frontiers: Can We Preserve the Arctic Environment?
- Biological Oceanography
- Human-Animal Interactions
- Legal Response to Environmental Destruction
- Major Transitions in Evolutionary History
- Ocean Management and Conservation
- The Politics of Climate Change
- Catastropolis
- Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development
- Living with Environmental Change
- Frontiers of Global Health
- Green Consultants
- Workplace Learning
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module, but typically include exams and coursework-based assessments. Students must pass their first-year assessments to progress to the second year. All assessments in the second and final years contribute to the final degree classification.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Hands-on interactive learning
- Fieldwork
- Laboratory sessions
- Independent study
- Embedded GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis
- Faculty:
- The program is taught by expert staff actively engaged in research across a wide range of specialisms, including climate change, remote sensing, landscape evolution, energy policy, environment and sustainability, social innovation, and cultural landscapes.
- Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with a strong focus on fieldwork and practical applications.
- The program is closely linked to the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), providing students with access to cutting-edge research and real-world projects.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Environment
- Health
- Conservation
- Education
- Third sector work
- Culture and heritage
- Community work
- Opportunities:
- The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of careers in the environmental sector.
- Graduates are highly employable and have a strong track record of securing jobs in various organizations, including consultancies, charities, NGOs, research institutes, and universities.
- Outcomes:
- Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to sustainable development.
- The program provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional network and gain valuable experience through fieldwork and professional placements.
Other:
- Fieldwork: Fieldwork is an integral part of the program, with several modules incorporating day and residential field courses in the UK and abroad. These courses provide students with hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing environmental data, developing key field skills, and gaining new research skills.
- Proficiency Options: Students can choose to specialize in a second subject by completing 60 credits of modules in a subject like Data Science, Law, or Social Data Science. This can enhance their employability and broaden their intellectual horizons.
- Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES): Graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the IES, a professional body that promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science.
- Careers Services: The University of Exeter has a dedicated Careers Service that provides students with access to careers advisors, mentors, and resources to help them find employment in their chosen field.
UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year
